More tourist spots to be added under RT project

KOCHI: Responsible Tourism (RT), which involves the local community in the development of tourism and ensures economic benefit for them, will be extended to 10 to 15 tourism spots in the state this year.Following the success of the project in Kumarakom, it was extended to Kumily, Kovalam and Wayanad.Along with the four destinations, the government has given approval for implementing the project in more destinations in 2011.The Kerala Institute of Tourism Studies (KITS) will be the nodal agency for implementing the project.The tourism spots where RT will be implemented will be selected in a month. KITS director U V Jose told 'Express' that the tourism spots would be identified after consultation with the local bodies where the industry was growing steadily.The government had also given approval for the classification and recognition for those who are promoting RT."The initiative by the local bodies, along with due recognition from the government, will motivate the local community to promote the RT in their area. As the initiative was found to be successful, RT will be implemented in more tourist spots in the coming years," he said.One of the major criteria for the development of tourism depends upon the cooperation of the local bodies. They have to play a major role in encouraging the local people to come forward with their expertise to attract more tourists."Kumarakom was the first spot which successfully implemented RT in the country and later Wayanad, Kovalam and Thekkady followed suit.Without causing any ecological or social damage, the travellers, local community and traders will benefit from the project to a great extent.Kumarakom grama panchayat has set an example by providing its own land for the project. The local body has taken a key position to help the local community in smallscale production and encourage traditional craftsmanship which helps them to make profit.The concept of RT has given an opportunity to market traditional products which bring money for the products directly to the beneficiaries. The local people sell products to the public at a reasonable rate in the open market.